The people are friendly to neighbors, and visitors alike. Industry is also thriving here. Aerospace titans like Boeing, retail giants Amazon, and Walmart drive the economy.
Port Orchard is no exception to this beauty. This quaint little city is located just 13 miles due west of Seattle, on the Kitsap Peninsula, jutting into Puget Sound.
Port Orchard, Washington, is only 8.5 square miles, 1.3 miles of which are water. A little known fact is the city was originally named Sidney in 1890 and was the first to be incorporated in Kitsap County.
In 1892, the residents petitioned the state legislature, and the Post Office to change the name to Port Orchard. Because nearby Bremerton also requested the same name, the legislature refused. However, the Post Office went through with the name change anyway.
For nearly 10 years the city of Sidney was to receive mail as Port Orchard, creating quite the confusion. Finally, in 1903 the legislature acquiesced, and the name of the city was changed to Port Orchard.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Port Orchard, WA?
As is usually the case with planning travel, weather plays a role. The region is known for being cool and wet for most of the year. The weather generally warms up from June into September, but rarely will you find it rise above 80 degrees.
When traveling in the summer months you can expect to pay a premium for hotels, especially those near the water. If taking the ferry from Seattle is appealing to you, then there are many more hotel options available.
Olympic National Park is nearby, offering a wealth of nature activities, from hiking and mountain biking to bird watching, and even hunting. It is also home to Olympic Hot Springs, a series of natural seeps of hot water that are only accessible by foot. The temperature varies, but the springs can get as hot as 130 degrees.
You might want to check out the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort if you're looking for a relaxing vacation where you can connect with nature. They have three mineral pools that flutter around 100 degrees, and a freshwater pool that varies seasonally between 50-85 degrees.
Shopping is always best between April and October when the temperature during the day remains above 60 degrees. Port Orchard, Washington is great for antiquing, as well as farmer's markets during this time.
The rainy season begins in late September and runs all the way through April. Winter sets in early, though the snowfall is usually not more than an inch or two on average per month. Dress warm, but count on your precipitation to be mostly rain.
Accommodations are at their lowest rates during this time, with the exception of around the holidays. Expect them to rise sharply in Port Orchard itself, as there are fewer places to stay in this small city. Nearby Seattle will offer all the creature comforts you desire, as well as more affordable rates.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Port Orchard, WA:
Port Orchard, WA: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Port Orchard, WA. Browse these charts to evaluate the best time period to stay in Port Orchard for any future trips.
What Are the Best Hotels In Port Orchard, WA?
4 Star Average Prices: $329.00
If you want to stay in Port Orchard, Washington, and want the finest accommodations, then the Comfort Inn on the Bay is the best the city offers. It has a four-star rating for quality rooms, a complimentary breakfast buffet, and its central location within Port Orchard.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Bremerton is less than 2 miles north of Port Orchard and has a five-star rating for its great service, indoor pool, and its business-friendly atmosphere.
If it's pampering you're after, and you don't mind the ferry trip from Seattle, then there are many more options available.
The Four Seasons Seattle is less than 15 miles from Port Orchard, Washington, and has exactly what you would expect from a luxury brand hotel. There are spa services on-site, bellhops and porters, concierge services, and so much more. You can spend the day taking in the sights of Port Orchard and return to enjoy Seattle's nightlife before retiring to the luxurious hotel.
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle is another elegant choice for those seeking to indulge. The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a five-star facility featuring a full-service spa, two restaurants, a bar/lounge, and an indoor pool.
They have a huge list of amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel, plus a few you might not, like babysitting services, and a hair salon. Located in the heart of Seattle, you are steps away from this bustling metropolis, yet still only a ferry ride away from Port Orchard, Washington.
What Are Some Budget-Friendly Hotels in Port Orchard, WA?
3 Star Average Prices: $129.14
If you're traveling within a budget there are a few hotels to choose from in Port Orchard, Washington. The Days Inn by Wyndham Port Orchard is reasonable and features a pool, a children's pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
Nearby Bremerton, to the north, has more options that will appeal to the budget-conscious traveler. Oyster Bay Inn & Suites offers a variety of rooms, and also has a breakfast buffet. This is a great location if your kids like creepy-crawlies, as it is near the Bremerton Bug and Reptile Museum.
Motel 6 Bremerton is another great option for the budget traveler. Each room has a full kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and pets are welcome.
The Super 8 by Wyndham Bremerton earned three stars for their comfortable accommodations that include free breakfast, free parking, and reasonable rates.